Different Types of Cannabis & the Benefits of Each One

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For several years, cannabis, also referred to as THC, has been dubbed an illegal drug with adverse effects on human health. However, the dawn of legalization due to its medicinal value and in certain states for recreational use has proven otherwise. THC varieties are some examples of the over 113 cannabinoids that interact with the human endocannabinoid system to assist people in living a happier and more productive life. Each year, researchers have uncovered more about the components and properties of the cannabis plant to determine its benefits to humans.

THC is perhaps the most common cannabinoid that causes therapeutic and “high” effects when ingested through one of the several forms. Presently, four main types of THC are found in the cannabis plant, including Delta-9 THC, THCA, Delta-8 THC, and THCV. Each of these types of cannabis, to some degree, has different properties and medicinal benefits. Here’s a detailed discussion of these types and their benefits:

1. THCA

Often, THCA is found in the flowers, stems, and leaves of the cannabis herb. Among the four types of cannabis, it’s the only one that doesn’t possess mind-twisting or psychoactive properties. Nevertheless, it’s the source of the other three types of cannabis. Heat and light are the elements that activate THCA to turn into its counterparts. Heating THCA causes decarboxylation, which alters its chemical composition and shape, allowing it to bind with the body’s CB1 receptors to cause the “high” effect. Presently, researchers have discovered even in small quantities, THCA aids the treatment of these health conditions:

• Diabetes

• Conditions that lead to muscle spasms, including ALS and MS

• Arthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Epilepsy

• Nausea and loss of appetite because of cancer treatments

• Chronic pain

People having these conditions can gain these therapeutic benefits by ingesting the cannabis herb in its raw form. Usually, this is done by adding the leaves to smoothies, juicing, or adding them to a salad. Engage in an excellent Massachusetts dispensary to find the best options for your condition.

2. Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 THC is arguably the key psychoactive component found in the cannabis herb. Although this compound is available in female and male cannabis plants, its concentration is more prevalent in female plants. It’s worth noting that when THC is in its original form (THCA), it doesn’t possess mind-twisting properties. Often, this becomes apparent as decarboxylation takes place and heat changes its raw molecules into those that can bond with the cannabinoid receptors in the human body. The following are some health benefits Delta-9 THC offers to the human body:

• Relieves pain

• Has antioxidant effects

• Lowers anxiety levels

• Has anti-seizure properties

• Improves appetite

• Boosts brain development

• Relaxes muscles

• Enhances sleep

• Aids people with asthma by opening airways

• Assists PTSD patients

• Helps in fighting tumors

3. THCV

The other byproduct of THCA’s decarboxylation process is THCV. Although it’s similar to Delta-9 THC, it entails several unique differences. For starters, it lacks mind-twisting properties if taken in low quantities. Nevertheless, if an individual uses a variety high in THCV or high quantities, its effects will be different, and the individual will get “high.” Another difference that distinguishes THCV from its counterpart is that it acts as an appetite suppressant. It suppresses the actions of Delta-9 THC that cause hunger. Researchers have uncovered that people looking for ways to lose weight using a cannabis strain high in THCV and CBD will have better results than combining THCV and Delta-9 THC. Other health benefits that THCV offers include aiding the treatment of:

• Alzheimer’s

• Anxiety

• Diabetes

• Epilepsy

• Brain lesions resulting from late-stage Parkinson’s condition

• Inflammation

• Tremors resulting from ALS and Parkinson’s

4. Delta-8 THC

When Delta-9 THC is susceptible to oxidation and begins to age, it changes to Delta-8 THC, a more stable strain of cannabinoid. Although Delta-8 THC isn’t as powerful as its counterpart, it still causes users to feel “high.” Research shows that combining Delta-8 THC with CBD helps to lower any mind-twisting effects the user feels. Key health benefits that Delta-8 THC offers include:

• Boosting appetite

• Enhances memory and learning by stimulating the production of acetylcholine

• Reducing nausea and vomiting

• Relieving of pain

• Protects brain cells

• Helps lower the size of tumors

Conclusion